Spain has amazing cities, delicious cuisine and absorbing culture for you to discover.
When should I go to Spain?
The best time visit Spain is from March to October. Summers are hot, dry and humid. In the height of summer cities and coastal resorts are busier and accommodation costs may increase.
Winter is colder and rain is common inland and in the north, but this can be a great time to visit to discover Spain’s museums and indoor attractions.
Key stats
Capital – Madrid
Official language – Spanish, Catalan, Galician, Basque, Occitan
Area – 195,360 square miles
Population – 47,329,981 (2020 estimate)
Currency – Euro (€)
Driving side – right
Is Spain expensive?
I have found that food and drink costs are lower than in the UK. You may find that prices are a little higher near popular attractions and main squares.
On average I would budget for around €3 for a draught beer and around €50 for a meal for two.
What food should I try?
Spain is obviously really famous for its tapas. You will find thousands of cafes and restaurants offering a wide selection of tapas to tempt your tastebuds.
Amongst the dishes I would recommend are patatas bravas, jamón, croquetas and meatballs. If you have some room left then seafood paella is delicious. All washed down with some local wine of course!
Transportation
Transportation options in Spain are efficient and inexpensive. In bigger cities you can usually get an all-day travel ticket to use on busses and the underground.
To get around the country Renfe trains offer intercity services at reasonable prices.
Tourist Information
Visit the official Spanish tourist information website and always check the United Kingdom government’s travel advice before leaving.
Find out more about Spain with my blogs
I’ve written a number of blogs about my many visits to Spanish cities. Take a look at the posts below and tell me about your experiences in Spain in the comments.
Plaza de Espana of Seville, Marie Luisa Park and Sevilla FC
Visiting Cadiz, the oldest city in Europe
Cadiz was to be our destination for a day-trip from Seville to see the cathedral and its old town.
Appreciating the Alcázar of Seville and the Cathedral, a boat trip and then watching Real Betis
Today we visited some of the major tourist attractions of Seville such as the Alcázar and Cathedral. In the evening we cheered on Real Betis in the Europa League.
The amazing Mezquita of Cordoba, Puente Romano and Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos
Cordoba was to be our destination for a day-trip from Seville. Mainly to see the Mezquita, Alcazar de los Reyes Cristianos and Puente Romano, but there were other things to see there too.
Seville’s tasty food markets, El Centro, Metropol Parasol and a spot of fine dining!
Our first day in Seville, or Sevilla as it’s known to the locals, involved us visiting some tasty food markets, El Centro and Metropol Parasol.
In Bilbao to see Azkuna Zentroa, Dona Casilda Park, San Mames Stadium and Taberna Danenak
We had another fantastic day in Bilbao. This time seeing Azkuna Zentroa, Dona Casilda Park and Mercado de la Ribera. As well as a tour of Athletic Club’s San Mames Stadium.
Spending my birthday in Bilbao to see Casco Viejo, Artxanda Funicular and the Guggenheim Museum
We had a great day in Bilbao as we explored Casco Viejo, rode the Artxanda Funicular and saw the impressive Guggenheim Museum.
Travelling to Bilbao from Bristol Airport to taste pintxos and avoid heavy rain
Even though it’s only January, we decided to visit the city of Bilbao. We thought that it would be a great way to ease the New Year blues!
Visiting Malaga’s Alcazaba, Castle, Museo Carmen Thyssen and seafront
For our final day in Malaga we decided to visit the Museo Carmen Thyssen, the Alcazaba, Castillo de Gibralfaro, Malaga Harbour and Playa la Malagueta.
Taking a day trip to Granada from Malaga to see the Alhambra
Granada was to be the destination for our day trip from Malaga. The main purpose being to see the Alhambra. But we hoped to fit in other Granada attractions too.
Wandering around the old town of Malaga
On our first day in Malaga we decided to take in the sights of the old town including the cathedral, Picasso Museum and Plaza de la Constitución.
Getting the most out of a 4 day city break in Barcelona
4 days in Barcelona gives just enough time to see most of the city’s attractions. On our trip we visited famous landmarks, appreciated architecture, experienced some culture and tasted delicious food.
10 things you should do in Bilbao
Bilbao is widely known for its thriving art scene but you will soon discover that there is so much more to this exciting city.
Walking around Madrid to see Estadio Vicente Calderon, Teatro Real, Almudena Cathedral and San Miguel Market
We had disrupted night’s sleep due to a large group of college students deciding it would be humorous to throw wet tissues and water balloons at each others hotel windows.
Walking tour of Madrid to see Plaza de Santa Ana, Fuente de Neptuno, Caixa Forum, Real Jardin Botanico and Reina Sofia
It was by far the hottest day of our holiday in Madrid with temperatures reaching as high as 37 degrees celsius.
Madrid’s Parque de la Montana, The Bernabeu and Templo de Debod
After a nice lie-in, we decided to have a bit more of a relaxed day in Madrid after a few frantic days.
A day trip to Segovia from Madrid
The fifth day of our trip to Madrid would see us set off for Segovia, a city located in the region of Castilla de Leon.
A hot day in El Retiro and Museo del Prado in Madrid
We woke up to another hot and sunny Monday morning in Madrid. We were soon ready to set out to visit some more of the Spanish capital’s attractions. El Retiro and Musoe del Prado being on our radar.
A day trip to Toledo from Madrid
It was up at the crack of dawn this morning to have an early breakfast before going to Toledo.
A walking tour of Madrid to see all the main attractions
After a day of travelling we had a very good night sleep, we only woke to hear some Athletic Bilbao fans returning to the adjoining rooms.
Travelling to Madrid from Swansea
It’s not often that I go on holiday whilst leaving good weather behind, but on a sunny day in Swansea, that was certainly going to be case.